DATA MODUL, the Munich-based full-service display specialist, offers its industrial customers radar-based sensor solutions for specific monitor applications.
Radar systems typically use electromagnetic waves in the radio or microwave frequency range to recognise objects and determine their distance. Depending on the application, the sensors required for this now have a very compact design and (depending on the version) contain both the transmitting and receiving units as well as the corresponding antennas on a single chip.
The currently available DATA MODUL solution is available for monitors with eMotion UHD-II scaler boards. In the standard use case, the screen brightness is adjusted accordingly depending on whether there are people near the monitor. In general, the screen can even be switched off completely if required. Reducing the brightness or switching off the screen as required significantly reduces the operating costs of the monitor and also considerably increases its lifespan.
In addition to the purpose mentioned above, radar sensor data can also be used to “trigger” different events. For example, if a person approaches a monitor equipped with a radar sensor (e.g. at the point of sale), the content displayed on the screen could change from a full-screen advertising film to a table with information. This allows for targeted and precise customer outreach.
Sensor function parameters such as sensitivity or range can be adjusted via OSD (On Screen Display); for example, the detection range can be set between 2 meters and >10 meters. The DATA MODUL radar sensor module has an I2C interface. This means that other eMotion boards and embedded platforms can be combined with the sensor if required. For special applications, an API could also be implemented on the DATA MODUL platforms to allow customers remote access to the sensor data (e.g. via RS232 or DDC/CI).
For implementation in its system solutions, DATA MODUL uses a highly integrated 60 GHz radar sensor chip with a size of just 6,5 mm x 5,0 mm x 0,9 mm (including antennas), a detection range of up to 15 meters and a detection angle > 160°; the sensor's operating temperature range is between -20 °C and +70 °C. The radar sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board in the front frame of the monitor, on which two light sensors are also mounted: one of them is used for the ALC (Ambient Light Control) function, which can optionally control the backlight depending on the ambient brightness. The second light sensor is used for the DPM (Display Performance Monitoring) function, which monitors the status and brightness of the display. The sensor board also has status LEDs and an IR receiver for remote control applications.
For typical presence detection even under difficult ambient conditions, radar technology offers many advantages over other sensor technologies. Depending on the design and operating frequency of the sensor, very wide detection ranges and angles can be achieved. In addition, a radar sensor is insensitive to ambient light (e.g. strong infrared radiation), resistant to dirt and vandalism, and is therefore also ideal for outdoor applications. The sensor, which is usually mounted behind a plastic cover, can be easily integrated into the front panel of a monitor.
For more, please visit data-modul.com
